Splendid Nest moving; ‘Bohemian’ restaurant opening

January 30, 2012

NEW ULM - The Splendid Nest will move this month to a new and bigger location at 20 N. Minnesota Street. Following the move, a new "Bohemian" restaurant will take over its previous location at the Grand Hotel.

The Splendid Nest's new location will be on the same block as Lola's Larkspur. It will boast three times the space as the store's current location.

Splendid Nest owner Kathleen Connell said they will use the space to add new products, including a line of men's clothing and leather furniture. She also said they plan to add more elements to the interior design of the store, such as a gazebo in the gardening section.

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The Splendid Nest will leave its current location this week and reopen at the new location in early to mid-February.

Meanwhile, a new restaurant named "Artisans at the Grand: Bohemian Bistro" will move into the space in March.

Topher Jacobson, the restaurant's chef, said the name will be shortened to "Bohemian Bistro." He said the name is in honor of Bohemian Bed and Breakfast owner Bobbi McCrea, who died last July in a fire at the B&B.

The restaurant's menu will feature a wide diversity of dishes from all over the world. Various types of American cuisine will also be offered. Jacobson said the food will be designed to be shared.

"We want to foster a sharing experience with people talking amongst each other," said Jacobson.

Some food offerings will be unique to New Ulm. The restaurant will offer sushi. The sushi may even become available prior to the restaurant's opening as part of the Grand Kabaret's offerings. Another new food will be wood-fired pizzas and artisan breads from a wood-fire stove the restaurant will be utilizing.

The restaurant hours will be from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m on Tuesday through Saturday. The entire menu will be offered during all open hours. The restaurant will also take over food and drink services for the Grand Kabaret.

The restaurant space will be rented. The Grand Kabaret portion will remain in the ownership of the Grand's art center.

Anne Makepeace, co-owner of the Grand Hotel, said the restaurant is part of the hotel's redesign into the Grand Center of Arts and Culture. She said the restaurant will provide the total package for the Center. Cooking classes and apprenticeships with the restaurant will be offered.